Diversity Visa Passport Requirements

The Diversity Visa Passport Requirement: A Major Step to Prevent Fraud and Protect Genuine Applicants.

The U.S. government has proposed a rule that would reinstate mandatory passport information and a scanned passport image as part of all submissions to the Diversity Visa Program. This change, while still under public comment, is expected to be implemented soon. At US Green Card Office, we strongly support this initiative and have already updated our systems to collect passport details and scans during the application process.

We believe this is a critical step in the right direction. Fraudulent applications and unauthorized submissions have been a persistent problem in the Green Card Program for years. Requiring a valid passport ensures that applications are genuine and that scammers and agents cannot exploit applicants by submitting entries without their consent.

The Diversity Visa Passport Requirement ensures that applications are genuine and that scammers and agents cannot exploit applicants by submitting entries without their consent. This article explains what the proposed rule includes, why it matters, how it prevents fraud, and why using a professional paid service like US Green Card Office is more important than ever to avoid disqualification and give your application the best possible chance of success.

Why Diversity Visa Passport Requirement Is Being Introduced Again

The U.S. government previously introduced a passport requirement in 2019, but it was removed after a court ruling determined that the public was not given sufficient time to comment on the rule before it took effect. The court did not rule against the idea of the passport requirement itself, only the way it was introduced.

This time, the Department of State has followed proper legal procedure by announcing the rule through an official notice and allowing a public comment period. Once finalized, the new requirement will likely apply to the next Diversity Visa Program.

At US Green Card Office, we are acting in advance of this rule because we know it is only a matter of time before it takes effect. By already collecting passport details and scans, we ensure our clients are compliant now, not later.

The Diversity Visa Passport Requirement ensures that only genuine applicants are considered, making it crucial for all applicants to adhere to these new rules to avoid disqualification.

Diversity Visa Passport Requirement: A Solution to Combat Fraud and Protect Applicants

The Diversity Visa Program is one of the most accessible immigration paths to the United States, which unfortunately has made it a target for widespread fraud. Over the past decade, thousands of cases have emerged where third parties submitted applications on behalf of others, often without their knowledge or consent, and later demanded money in return for the confirmation number if selected.

Some examples of fraud include:

A network in Bangladesh submitted more than 634,000 fake applications using personal data from photo studios, often without consent
In Ukraine, scammers charged up to $15,000 to release confirmation numbers to selected individuals or arranged fraudulent marriages so a paying client could impersonate the winner
In many African nations, people were entered into the program without knowing, then pressured to pay to continue with the process if selected

Diversity Visa Passport Requirement: A Solution to Combat Fraud and Protect Applicants

By requiring passport data and an image of the actual document, the Diversity Visa Passport Requirement makes these scams much harder to execute. Scammers and agents rarely have access to a person’s actual passport, especially not a scanned photo page.

The Data Behind the Rule for Diversity Visa Passport Requirement

According to statistics from the U.S. State Department, the previous passport requirement, when it was in place, had an immediate and measurable impact:

Duplicate entries (where a person submits multiple entries to increase chances) dropped dramatically
The total number of applications was cut in half, suggesting that a significant portion of past entries were fake or unauthorized
Fraud detection became more effective, allowing authorities to screen applicants earlier in the process

When the passport requirement was removed, duplicate and suspicious entries skyrocketed again, reaching over 2.5 million duplicates in the most recent Diversity Visa Program cycle.

These numbers make it clear that a passport requirement isn’t just a technical rule, it is an essential safeguard that improves fairness and eliminates a major source of abuse.

These numbers make it clear that the Diversity Visa Passport Requirement isn’t just a technical rule; it is an essential safeguard that improves fairness and eliminates a major source of abuse.

How the Diversity Visa Passport Requirement Benefits Genuine Applicants

While it may seem like another administrative step, this rule will help serious applicants in multiple ways:

It prevents someone else from submitting an entry in your name, unless you request them to do so and provide them with your passport information.
It ensures your identity is verified early in the process.
It reduces the number of duplicate and fraudulent entries, increasing your chance of being selected as less applications are submitted each year.
It adds another layer of protection against agents who attempt to exploit winners.
It eliminates confusion over inconsistent spelling, date of birth, or other personal details across documents.

At US Green Card Office, we believe this is an important improvement that will give honest applicants a better, more transparent shot at being selected. A win-win situation.

By requiring passport data and an image of the actual document, the Diversity Visa Passport Requirement is a major step to prevent fraud and protect genuine applicants.

Why You Should Use a Professional Service

Applying to the Diversity Visa Program may appear simple, but the majority of self-submitted applications are disqualified each year due to photo and technical errors.

At US Green Card Office, we’ve reviewed millions of applications over the last 25 years, and our data shows that:

Over 65% of submitted applications are disqualified, most without the applicant even knowing it as they believe they have done it correct.

Common reasons for disqualification include:

Incorrect photo format (wrong size, background, lighting, etc.)
Duplicate applications, many applicants think if they make an error, they can just submit another application. That is not the case and will disqualify all application submitted.
Missing or mismatched data (names, birthplaces, family members)
Failure to include spouse and all children the age of 21
Soon: incorrect or missing passport data or improper image format

Our service is designed to eliminate those risks. When you apply with us, our immigration experts:

Review your information line by line
Confirm your photo and passport scan meet government guidelines
Identify and resolve any potential issues before submission
Store your application securely until the next submission period
Submit your application directly to the U.S. government and successfully receive your confirmation number that will be installed in your account so that it is not lost.
Assist with next steps if you are selected, including the DS-260 form submission and preparation for the Visa Interview at the American Embassy.

With US Green Card Office, you don’t have to worry about changes in the law or application mistakes. We’ve seen every problem, and we know how to prevent them.

Why Timing Still Matters

Although the official U.S. government registration window opens for a only a short period, our service accepts applications all year round. You can apply anytime on our website. We’ll review your data, help you upload your passport image and photo, and then securely store your entry until it is submitted during the next official entry window.

This ensures:

You’re not rushing last-minute
You don’t miss the opportunity due to expired passports, bad photos, or incomplete information on your application.
You’re protected against policy changes (like the passport rule) because we are always up-to-date with the latest immigration law.

This level of preparation is only available through a trusted, full-service partner like US Green Card Office.

US Government Proposes Diversity Visa Passport Requirement

25 Years of Trusted Experience

We’re not new to this. Since 1998, US Green Card Office has helped people from all over the world prepare and submit valid, compliant, and successful applications to the Diversity Visa Program.

We’ve worked with:

Individuals and families
First-time applicants and re-applicants
Those with complex immigration backgrounds
Applicants in more than 180 countries

With over 2 million applications processed, we know how to avoid the pitfalls that disqualify most applicants. More importantly, we stay up to date with all rule changes and proactively update our platform, as we’ve just done with the proposed passport scan requirement.

Positive outlook for the Diversity Visa Program

We at US Green Card Office truly believe the passport rule is a good thing for genuine applicants. It will cut down on fraudsters and ensure that the DV Program remains a fair opportunity for those who sincerely dream of immigrating to the United States. We’re enthusiastic about helping our clients navigate this change. Already, we have applicants uploading their passport scans to our system, and we’re happy to report that the process is smooth and efficient.

For those who don’t yet have a passport, we strongly recommend starting the passport application process as soon as possible. Depending on your country, it can take several weeks to obtain one, and you don’t want to risk missing the next deadline. Our team can also advise you on any questions about passports and eligibility.

In summary, using a paid professional service like US Green Card Office can be the difference between a flawless entry and a disqualified one. The Diversity Visa Program is a once in a lifetime chance for millions of applicants around the world, and you want every advantage on your side, which means no mistakes. We’ve been doing this since 1998 and have helped over 2 million applicants submit their entries correctly at usgreencardoffice.com. With success stories every year, we know what it takes to win, and we’re excited to see the added integrity this passport rule will bring to the process.

Final Thoughts on the Diversity Visa Passport Requirement

The proposed passport rule is more than just a new requirement, it is a long-overdue measure that ensures fairness, protects genuine applicants, and eliminates many of the scams and frauds that have plagued the Diversity Visa Program for many years.

At US Green Card Office, we’ve already taken steps to ensure your application complies with the Diversity Visa Passport Requirement. We’ve built the tools and systems needed to collect and validate your passport information, verify your image, and submit your application safely and securely.

With over two decades of experience and millions of applications processed, we understand every detail of the process, and we know what it takes to get it right. Don’t risk your opportunity due to a photo error, a missing detail, or an unverified passport.

Apply with us today to guarantee your application is valid, correct, and compliant, and increase your chances of being selected for a Green Card so you can live at the American Dream in the United States of America.

FAQs About Diversity Visa Passport Requirement

Is this rule about Diversity Visa Passport Requirement already active?

No. It is currently under public review, but based on past implementation and the current timeline, it is highly likely to take effect before the next Diversity Visa Program is open.

Do I need a passport now to apply?

Yes, if you are applying through US Green Card Office. We now require all applicants to provide passport details and a scanned image of the passport’s biographic page to ensure future compliance.

What if I don’t have a passport yet?

Apply for one as soon as possible. In most countries, it can take a few weeks to receive a passport. Delaying could mean missing your chance to apply.

Can I apply anytime?

Yes. Our service is available year-round. We prepare your application in advance and submit it to the government during the first available Green Card Program.

Will I be notified if there is a problem with my application?

If you submit your application through the free government service, you will not be notified if your entry is disqualified due to a photo or data error. You simply won’t be selected, and you will never know why. However, if you apply through the paid service at US Green Card Office, our immigration team will personally review your application and photo. If we find any issues, you will be contacted directly with instructions on how to correct them before your application is submitted. This ensures your entry is fully compliant and has the best possible chance of being accepted.

Are there any exceptions to the passport requirement?

Yes, there are a few very limited exceptions proposed: (1) if you are stateless (not considered a citizen of any country), (2) if you are a national of a Communist-controlled country who is unable to obtain a passport from your government, or (3) if you have an individual waiver granted by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of State. For the vast majority of applicants, however, these exceptions won’t apply, most people will be required to have a passport. It’s also worth noting that if someone falsely claims an exception (for example, claiming to be stateless when they are not), they will be disqualified.

How exactly will providing a passport scan help prevent fraud in the DV Program?

It tackles fraud in several ways. First, it prevents duplicate entries and fake identities, since each passport number is unique, the system can catch if the same person (same passport) tries to enter twice, and it’s much harder for scammers to create fake entries without a real passport. Second, it stops unauthorized agents from secretly entering people who haven’t agreed to apply. Those agents rarely have access to the client’s actual passport, so they won’t be able to submit entries in bulk like they used to. In countries where scams were common, this requirement already proved effective in the past, for instance, duplicate entry disqualifications dropped from 2.5 million to 760,000 per year when the passport rule was previously in place in 2019. Finally, the passport scan gives visa officers a head start on verification. They can see your photo, name, birth details in an official document at entry time, which helps detect identity fraud or inconsistencies long before a visa interview. All together, these measures mean a fair chance for all entrants and fewer ways for bad actors to make money on innocent victims.

What are the benefits of using the US Green Card Office’s paid service?

Using our professional service greatly increases your chances of getting a Green Card by eliminating the common errors. Here are some key benefits:

Error-Free Application: Our team of immigration experts will handle your application and thoroughly review it to ensure everything is correct, from your photo meeting the strict requirements, to your passport info being entered accurately, and all other details matching perfectly. This alone saves you from the 65% disqualification risk that independent applicants face.
Up-to-Date Compliance: We stay on top of all rule changes (like this new passport requirement) and immediately incorporate them. When you apply with us, you can be confident that your entry meets the latest DV rules.
Convenience and Support: We guide you through every step, making the process easy. Our platform lets you upload your documents and information at your pace, and our staff is available to help if you have questions. We also remind you of important dates and results. No need to worry about navigating government websites or instructions, we do the heavy lifting.
Fraud Protection: By using a reputable service, you avoid scams and fake websites. We ensure your application is submitted to the official program securely. You won’t need to share your personal details with untrusted third parties or risk losing your confirmation number. We manage all that responsibly and give you peace of mind.
Post-Selection Guidance: If you are selected as a winner, our support continues. We provide advice on the next steps – such as filing the DS-260 visa application form, preparing for the visa interview, and anything else needed to turn your selection into an actual Green Card.

In short, our paid service offers you the best chance at success in the DV Lottery by combining accuracy, convenience, and expert support. For a small application fee, you get peace of mind that your dream won’t be derailed by a simple mistake. Given how life-changing a Green Card can be, most people find that investment well worth it.

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Diversity Visa Program Passport Requirements

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